Pro Audio

Sound Blaster E1

Sound Blaster E1

70SB160000000

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Description:

Enjoy Studio Quality Audio

Tired of having to choose specific headphones impedances to match your setup? The Sound Blaster E1 supports headphones with impedances of up to 600 ohms. This means you can match just about any headphones with it. Enjoy a level of audio detail & resolution previously unreachable.

High Fidelity Audio, Real High

Enjoy your music on the go with jaw-dropping audio fidelity of 106dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). Hear more music, not noise.

For Those Long Nights

Sound Blaster E1 performs up to 25-hrs1 per charge. That's more than a whole day of high fidelity continuous playback!

Lighter, Always Better

Sound Blaster E1 is small and light, at only 25 grams.

This means it can be easily carried around in a bag or a pocket, or clipped onto clothing. No longer will you have to haul a headphone amplifier the size of a brick to enjoy better audio.

Share Your Music, The Better Way!

Sharing your music is easy with the Sound Blaster E1 which comes with two headphone output jacks!

Unlike other shared outputs, the Sound Blaster E1 does not compromise on audio fidelity, so the quality remains the same even when powering two discrete outputs!

Personalise Your Audio Experience!

With SBX Pro Studio technology and connected to PCs and Macs, you can further adjust what you love to listen, to your individual taste.

Clear Voice Conversations With CrystalVoice Technology

The built-in microphone provides the additional benefit of using your normal headphones for conversations over the phone. When connected to PCs and Macs via USB, you can activate the CrystalVoice Technology, a suite of enhancements that reduces noise and provides for clearer conversations.

Prepare (your ears) to be blown! Tested and compared.May 23, 2014
By Engr. Jay MendozaTL;DR │ If you want to improve the clarity and acoustic volume of your smart device using a (wired) headset of your choice, then this might be for you. It makes listening to those cheap bundled earphones bearable, and I consider myself an audiophile. If you only want a USB solution for your PC, try the X-Fi Go! Pro (cheaper), or the Sound Blaster Recon3D (superior in every way). See bottom of review for ratings explanation.

UPDATE: Added a note on the audio port for the mic near the bottom of review.

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The Creative Sound Blaster E1 is a decent sound processor for on the go. All other sound processors currently offered by Creative only uses the USB interface as input source, primarily for PC use (with the exception of Recon3D Sound Blaster, which works with PS3/PS4/XBOX360).

Where the E1 really shines is that you can use an analog source input to it. This means that it will process and amplify sound from virtually any source that can output to a 3.5mm audio jack, including tablets and other smart devices. The problem though, is that you cannot set precise control on the Crystalizer and 3D/Surround components of the sound processor. Also, by not putting a more powerful sound processor like the current SoundCore3d chip (used on Recon3D/Z-series), I think Creative may have made a good decision since these chips will theoretically drain the battery faster. The first time you use this product with your device, make sure the volume is set low, or you will BLOW your ear drums (yep, it's amplified alright).

WHAT I LIKE │ + │+ Solid, ultra light build, matte finish. Looks professional.+ Smaller than I thought it would be (thus, more concealable and mobile).+ Makes stock audio sound like junk. Crystalizer works like it should.+ Mic input doubles as a sound output - so you can use two sets of speakers.

WHAT I DON'T LIKE │ × │× Not as good as I imagined it to be. SBX Pro is OK, not great. I say this as a PC user.× I wish there were more than one set of cables, with different lengths.× Non-removable belt clip

WHY NOT WAIT FOR THE E3 │ ? │? SRP of $129. Not worth the Bluetooth addition, IMO.? Worse battery life at 17 hours. With Bluetooth, it goes down to 8 hours.? Bigger, wider, grayer.? I am not a Bluetooth person, especially for audio.

Conclusion │ With crystalizer turned off, all sources sound the same on the speaker. Turned on, the X-Fi and E1 showed significant improvement, and Recon3D, well, sounded way better. Using the in-ear headphones, all sound cards offered amplified volume without crystalizer. With crystalizer, sound was noticeably cleaner and more "crystal" clear. Recon3D was even more clear. The surround/3D is different though. X-Fi was inferior, followed by the E1, and finally, Recon3D. The E1 sounded subtly better compared to the X-Fi. The E1 sounded bad compared to Recon3D but it gets the job done (better than none).

Recommendation │ Get the X-Fi Go! Pro (X-Fi Sound Blaster + SBX Pro), which is cheaper. SBX Pro is the main processor of E1. Or, if money is no object, I would highly recommend getting the Sound Blaster Recon3D (or the Sound Blaster Recon3D Omega Wireless bundle).

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ABOUT THE AUDIO PORT: All documentations made by Creative claim that the mic/stereo combo port could be used only by EITHER a microphone OR a stereo device, and never mentioned anything about headsets. This is true, for some odd reason. It could have supported a TRRS plug. However, the E1 has a built-in mic, and that may work for some people in some cases.

VERDICT: I highly recommend this product for those looking at a mobile audio solution.★★★★☆ | 4 stars out of five. I know what I was getting when I ordered this product and it does not deserve a lower rating. However, there is also nothing extraordinary (no cool surprises).

For several years I have bought many devices manufactured by Creativelabs. As a musician and computer tech guy I have also helped to set up several of their products for family, friends, and coworkers.

The Sound Blaster E1 is a must have device for several groups of users. The designers and support staff are to be commended for its versatility. My intention was to use it as a headphone amplifier to boost the volume of my volume hungry, low sensitivity AKG headphones. Initially I had my doubts but I WAS WRONG. This device offers many things for many different target groups. And the sound clarity of both the output and internal mic are exceptional. So read on!

Since I’m not a sales person I thought I would first tell you about what its minor issues have been for me and the work-arounds. Don’t be afraid of this device because there are 2 small issues. It’s actually a cool device with several features. No sense both of use dealing with the same problems when one of us already has (that would be me). I will provide you with the solutions.

Issue One: Following the “In Box” Instructions

The included “In Box” Sound Blaster E1 Guide can be confusing for some. (It doesn’t say “Quick Guide” but that’s really what it is.) There is a far better detailed guide online which I will direct you to a little later. Frequently a newly manufactured device requires drivers that are not yet available and require the included software to be installed first. The software that the included guide directs you to download and install will not install unless you first install the device. The guide does not specifically tell the user what the correct steps are to install this device so read on.

Solution One: This is the correct way to install the E1 device:

1. Out of box the device is turned off. Orient yourself to the power switch and where the power “On” position is located (forward towards the tiny LED light.) You are advised to plug the E1 into a USB port in order to charge the internal battery and its first full charge may take as long as 8 hours. I found it took far less than that.

2. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet because Windows will need to remotely find and install the updated driver.

3. Plug the E1 into your computers USB port (probably better that you avoid plugging the cable into a USB hub since problems can occur.)

4. Slide the power switch to the “On” position.

5. In Windows OS the driver will be found online and installed. Be patient, for me this took a couple of minutes.

7. I suggest you also scroll up to the top of the page and to the right of the picture of the E1, click on and download the “Quick Start User Guide.” With 49 pages this guide is very helpful and a lot more than a “Quick Start” User Guide. Remember once it loads to your browser you must then manually save it to your hard drive.

8. With the E1 connected and on, install the software. When completed you will need to restart your computer.

So there you go!

Issue Two: No separate volume control for each of the two headphone inputs

Solution for Problem Two:Make sure that the two sets of headphones you use have the same input sensitivity which is a fancy word for use the same earbud type headphones or the same brand and model of headphones. In other words hook them up and test to see if they are both outputting the same volume.

Important observation # 1:The software is pretty cool with several adjustments that can be made. Of course the only way you can benefit from the settings found in the E1 SBX Control Panel (the software you installed) is to connect the device to a USB port in your computer. The manual that I suggested you download explains all the features quite well. I listened to both a DVD of an action scene from the Hobbit and a live recording of a band I made with an HD camera at 24bit 96kHz audio. Under the SBX Studio Pro I liked the “Bass” boost and “Crystalizer” enhancements but not certain I like the “Surround” enhancement. Individual differences I guess. Also when you first install the software I noticed no sound and found that the volume was turned all the way down in the “Advanced Setting” section. It took me a few moments to troubleshoot that problem.

Important observation # 2: Phone differencesI’m not certain that the E1 meets the criteria for “hands free” and the manual does not state as such. This is probably because you can receive “hands free” calls but you cannot send “hands free” calls. The “Multifunction” button works differently on different phones. I have a Droid 4 while my wife has an iPhone. The Four-pole analog cable (included) works seamlessly with the iPhone. A call comes in; you press the “multi-function” button to answer the call and again to end the call.

But with my Droid the input accommodates a three-pole cable. However something wonderful happens with the Droid and the E1. Inserting the 4-pole cable in my 3-pole Droid jack (remember cable will not go in all the way so don’t force it) and pressing the “multifunction” button briefly will put the Droid in and out of mic “mute” mode and slightly longer (like one second) answers and ends calls like the IPhone. Winner...Droid!

Important observation # 3:When connecting the E1 to your computer via the supplied USB cable. While watching a video AND simultaneously tweaking with the settings of the SBX panel there is a slight stuttering of the sound. This may be specific to your computer’s processor once you make you adjustment the stuttering goes away.

So what can you do with this device...really and practically? Actually it has several uses and I tried all of the below except the “gamer” features.

• Let’s say you’re on a plane and you and that special person are sitting close to each other (Is there any other way to sit when you ride coach?) You want to use your tablet or laptop to watch a movie together. You could get a stereo 1/8" splitter to listen to the sound but chances are the volume won’t be loud enough. The E1 will be able to boost the audio signal and you will both hear every word of that movie.

• If you’re like me and have a studio quality set of headphones you will need a headphone amp like this.

• You are doing an aerobic workout at the gym and use your iPhone to listen to tunes. You also need to answer whenever phone calls come in. With the push of the multifunction button, the music stops and the phone call begins until you push it again to end the call and the music resumes. Pretty nifty huh? Well it would be better if you could permit yourself to work out and get your calls afterwards but I guess next life.

• You are outside at Starbuck’s and talking to you mom on Skype (like that will happen.) You don’t want everyone to hear you or listen in on you and your mother’s conversion. Don’t worry, the E1 has you covered. The clarity is impressive even using the internal mic on the device.

• You are a musician laying a keyboard track and another musician has plugged in a different instrument so they can lay a second track on your multi track software like Cubase, Acid Pro, or several others. Both of you need a set of headphones. This will do it for you. Remember the headphones need to have the same sensitivity value.

• I’m not a “gamer,” but from what I can tell this device will work great if you are a “gamer.” You can hook up your mic/phones headset with some pretty cool settings for added sound enhancements.

• You want to be hands free to receive phone calls. The E1 can handle this too.

• Finally there are several other recording features that can be done but that’s someone else’s turn.

So, if any of the above features interest you, I would recommend this device.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

this is a gamer review ps4 ,xbox one and ps vitaMay 24, 2014
By Gilner M.I been looking to upgrade my next gen sound experience this pass month. i have test varius gaming headsets and headphones for my ps4 and xbox one. i went to the creative website and saw this little divice in their home page and got me curious because creative is know to make great gaming sound cards. I read the description and I was immediately sold on it.

One issue that i been having with the ps4 and xbox one 3.5m adapter on the dual shock 4, xbox one stereo headset adapter and ps vita is that the volume is really low no matter what headset or headphone use on then , i think is because their low energy output, so no matter what headphone you use you will be limited on the sound department. Im not saying that is is terrible but is not high fidelity. Then i saw this product this is just what I need.

pros-It will amplify your sound experience. You will hear your games not just louder with out loosing any detail. It has a built in microphone you do not need a headset with a built in mic just make sure you clip on close to your chest or other will hear you a bit low.This bad boy will power just about any headphone with no issues.The 25 hours battery life is another big plus you can play for hours and will not let you down for hours on end. It has a volume control which is great if your headphone or headset don't have a inline volume remote. you can customize your listening experience on you pc.

consThe volume slider feels like a step back in this day of age i just with it was digital so finding the right spot could be a inconvenience to have to slide.

Conclusion and lessing experience

To wrap it up I got to say im very happy with this product at 50$ it could fell like a premium at on to your gaming expereice but i you have a $100 + headset or headphone you can go wrong this product is a good investment that you will use for quite sometime.

gamesbattlefield 4-xbox oneMan this game benefits from a louder soundscape you could easily get lost in the experience looking for audio clues where your enemy are. explosions and gun fire come out to make you fell tense and an exited .

Wolfenstine the new orderyet another game with great sound design you could walk down the halls and hear the wind coming in to the windows, in one instance when i was testing i walked into a room there was a clock on top of a door and cloud hear the sound of it as it moved second by second. nice

outlast ps4man sound of this game will terrify you, you could hear a more define experience as little thing like drops of water hitting the floor or the noise coming out of the enemies foot steps

other games,music and movieschild of light, metal gear ground zero,killer instinct, lego the movie, call of duty advance warfare trailer, game of thrones, swedish house mafia,

fell free to ask questions I will answer as soon as i can thanks

feel free to ask questions

3 of 3 found the following review helpful:

A Small Fix for Many Sound Problems...Dec 11, 2014
By Daniel L. Walters1st, the E1 is a Jack-of-All-Trades, Master-of-None device. It's designed to be a headphone amp, amplified splitter, microphone, and portable sound card. It's adequate to good at all of these things, but not great at any of them. So, don't be expecting this little wonder to magically transform your El Cheapo headphones and crappy phone into a thumping sound system OR your laptop into a mobile recording studio.

As a headphone amp I've tested this puppy with a number setups and it provides nominal to marginal improvements at best. These differences are most notable with mid-range gear, which makes sense. The system can only improve the input so much and push headphones to the edge of their capabilities. If you've spent about $50 to $100 on a set of headphones and have a cheap laptop or mid-range to quality phone or tablet that you just want to add some oomph to, then I can heartily recommend this.

As a amplified multiplier its more than adequate. I can see this being very useful when needing to share a laptop to watch a movie or sharing tracks. I seriously wish it had an independent volume control for the second channel, but at the $35 price point, I really can't complain.

Where the E1 truly shines, why I call it a little wonder, and the reason I gave it 5 stars, is when using it as a mobile sound card. I'm an avid Chromebook user. Sadly, the sound capabilities on most Chromebooks has been disappointing at best. It's transformed the listening experience on my Chromebook from a last resort (need to save batteries on the phone) to my preferred method of listening when working on the go. I plug it in via USB to my Acer C720P and it runs instantly. The sound is clear, crisp, no background hiss, good sound stage, and a surprising amount of frequency response. REMINDER: Turn the volume up on the tablet and down on the device for best experience. I'd have paid the $35 for this feature alone.

3 of 3 found the following review helpful:

Clear Clean AudioJul 17, 2014
By Buyer
"Mr. V"
After hearing the difference between "regular" audio from my cell phone and audio with the E1, it makes me wish all audio sources in the world were well amplified.

First impressions: - Wow, this thing is LIGHT - Nice of them to include all of the necessary cables, and they're cool colors too - Hmm... what's with this analog volume adjuster? (more on this later)

I've owned products functioning in a similar way in the past (ex: Boostaroo) but this one blows them all away. The audio was much much more clean and crisp at all volumes while using the E1.

At first I wasn't sure about the analog adjuster, I mean, all devices have +/- buttons these days right? Well, it actually serves an excellent purpose: dialing in the audio to the exact volume I want. I can't tell you how many times that + button makes it too loud or that - button makes it too soft, leaving me frustrated that I couldn't have my audio at just the right level. There are apps out there to help with audio stepping but they don't clean up the signal like the E1 does, they just add more/smaller steps so I'd rather spend my money on the E1 vs an app. Suffice to say, my concerns with the analog adjuster were very quickly set aside by the value the adjuster added. Also, it has a nice firmness and travel to it, it's just hard enough to push up/down that I think accidental changes in volume are a low likelihood, however, it travels smoothly so when I do adjust the volume it's predictable and linear; no "oops I just went to full volume" moments have been experienced.

To sum it up, I'm really impressed with this device and would encourage anyone looking for better sounding music, more precise volume adjustability, or the desire to share 1 source with 2 outputs (listen with a friend!) to pick one up.